In Search of the Desert Lily

As we left California on our way to Arizona our path took us within range of the Desert Lily Sanctuary near Desert Center along the I-10 interstate highway.  The Bureau of Land Management maintains this 2,040 acre section of desert not far from Joshua Tree National Monument specifically to protect the Desert Lily (hesperocallis undulata).  Since the Desert Lilies can lie dormant without blooming for several years we thought it was worth a try to see if we could spot one.  We gave it about 45 minutes of wandering in the desert and saw a number of wildflowers, but alas the Desert Lily was not among them.

 

Desert Chicory (rafinesquia neomexicana)

Desert Chicory (rafinesquia neomexicana)

 

Desert Dandelion (malacothrix glabrata)

Desert Dandelion (malacothrix glabrata)

 

Brittlebush (Encilia farinosa)

Brittlebush (Encilia farinosa)

 

Blue Phacelia (Phacelia distans)

Blue Phacelia (Phacelia distans)

 

Sand Verbena (Abronia villosa)

Sand Verbena (Abronia villosa)

But it may be that the best patch of wildflowers that we saw for the day was along the highway in Arizona.  Hard not to love California Poppies wherever they are.

 

California Poppies

California Poppies

2 comments on “In Search of the Desert Lily

  1. Gail

    Lovely…Now, I don’t mind dandelions and the desert dandelion would be welcome, too. The phacelia and verbena are delightful…eastern versions grow in my garden! Thank you for the tour! gail

  2. Randy

    Lovely photos and good reference on these wild flowers. I know the eastern US wildflowers pretty good from being a member of the Carolina Butterfly Society, a lot of members are experts in botany.